Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that the Catalan giants are “in a statement of shock” following the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that the Catalan giants are “in a state of shock” following the unexpected passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
The La Liga leaders had been due to continue their domestic season against Osasuna on Saturday night, but it was announced shortly before kickoff that the match would be postponed.
“FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,” the club said in a statement. “For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.
“The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to ESPN, the players were made aware of Garcia’s death upon their arrival at the stadium, and it was quickly decided by the first-team squad and staff members that Barcelona would postpone the contest.
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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 8, 2025
Barcelona doctor Garcia passed away on Saturday
Laporta has said that Garcia passed away at the team’s training camp on Saturday, just hours before the Osasuna game was due to start.
“Carles was much loved by everyone. He passed away this afternoon at the team’s training camp. The players, staff, coaches… are all very sad. We loved him very much, he came to all the away games to look after everyone. He didn’t say no to anyone,” said Laporta.
“We decided a postponement was for the best and La Liga understood our reasoning perfectly. We have had the utmost understanding from Osasuna and their president. They understood the situation from the first moment and behaved in extraordinarily.
“This is very painful for everyone at Barcelona. We’re in a state of shock. We have contacted his mother and his wife. We want to give them the maximum support.
“Carles leaves behind two children, Gerard and Ana. and we will support them in everything they need.”
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When could the Osasuna match be replayed?
Barcelona are still active in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, meaning that rescheduling the match is incredibly complicated.
According to AS, at this stage of proceedings, there is only one option, with the game potentially taking place on May 21.
However, April 26 would also open up if Barcelona are eliminated in the last-16 stage of the Champions League and do not reach the Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona lead Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League ahead of the second leg of their last-16 affair next week, while the Catalan giants are level at 4-4 with Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final ahead of the second leg early next month.
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